The series of electron carrier molecules that shuttle electrons during the redox reactions is known as the electron transport chain (ETC).
The electron transport chain is a crucial component of cellular respiration, primarily occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic cells. It consists of a series of protein complexes and other molecules that work together to transfer electrons derived from nutrients. As electrons move through this chain from one carrier to another, they release energy.
This released energy is then used to pump protons (H+ ions) across the membrane, creating a proton gradient. Ultimately, this proton gradient generates a flow of protons back across the membrane through ATP synthase, leading to the production of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This process of ATP generation is known as oxidative phosphorylation.
Overall, the electron transport chain plays a vital role in energy metabolism, facilitating the conversion of energy stored in nutrients into a usable form for the cell.